Shock as hours cut at GP surgery

MANY patients will now have to take a bus to see a doctor because their surgery is reducing its hours to just two half days.

Elers Road Clinic, in Elers Road, Hayes, serves more than 1,600 people but by the end of September it will have slashed its opening hours.

Patients will be expected to go to Hesa Clinic, in Station Road, Hayes, at other times, but they will have no regular GP and must settle for whoever is available.

Residents have voiced their objections at meetings and are furious plans are still going ahead. They say it will particularly affect the elderly, many of whom will have to make a bus journey when sick. This could take up to half an hour.

Jean Trotman, 73, of Bourne Aveune, Hayes, said: "We have had meetings where we said we want it to stay open but they have totally disregarded us.

"It just feels like they have completely dumped the people in this area.

"Even those who have cars will find it difficult as parking in the town centre is so limited.

"And the surgery has recently had money invested in it for a refurbishment. I can't understand why when it's reducing its hours to one day."

Maureen Cooley, 69, also of Bourne Avenue, said: "It's really upsetting. There are so many people living here who rely on the service. None of us are happy about the situation.

"They have the massive development by Hayes station with hundreds of new flats being built, so the clinic in the town centre will already be heavily used."

She added that it will be particularly difficult for the elderly - especially in the winter.

A spokesperson for the Hillingdon Primary Care Trust (PCT) said: "Since Dr Sira's death in June of last year the PCT has been providing temporary GP services at Elers Road while at the same time tendering for a permanent GP service at the Hesa centre.

"This will provide a greater range of services for all patients, including the 1,660 patients currently registered at Elers Road.

"The services to be provided at Hesa are from 8am-8pm, 365 days a year.

"Two surgeries a week will also be available at Elers Road for patients unable to travel to the Hesa.

"The entire process has been undertaken in consultation with the patients of Elers Road, who had informed the PCT that they required a much broader range of services.

"Fifty-two per cent asked for sessions after 6.30pm and the same amount asked for sessions before 8.30am."